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Hanging Rock Apostolic Church Of God is celebrating 50 years of ministry on Saturday and Sunday, April 6-7.

Hanging Rock Apostolic Church of God plans events to note anniversary

Mar. 21, 2013 @ 12:00 AM

Back in the 1950s, a young, barefoot preacher came through Lawrence County preaching Acts 2:38 and the oneness of the Godhead. Orval Hankins saw the light of the gospel and began to preach that God was manifested in the flesh. A few people began to fellowship together in Church Service from house to house. As the congregation grew, they began to assemble in an old garage on New Castle Pike.

In 1962, the old Christian Baptist Church building in Pigeon Hollow was purchased. The first business meeting of the Pigeon Hollow Apostolic Church of God was held on April 8, 1963. The Church was set up by seven elected trustees and Pastor Orval Hankins and Assistant Pastor Harrison Jenkins. Pastor Hankins led the church for nine years, bringing the apostolic message to all that would hear until he passed away on Feb. 19, 1971.

On May 17, 1971, Taylor Jenkins assumed the responsibility of pastor. Taylor and his wife, Barbara, dedicated their lives to the ministry. The Church was truly on the move under Elder Taylors' ministry. He and his wife traveled many miles preaching the gospel and ministering to the sick. Elder Taylor started a tape ministry for the shut-ins and sponsored radio programs in Fort Gay, W.Va., Catlettsburg, Ky., and Portsmouth, Ohio.

In 1989, the church purchased property just north of Hanging Rock with the intent to construct a new building due to the congregation outgrowing its current capacity.

On July 11, 1992, Pastor Taylor Jenkins went to be with the Lord. Even with this devastating blow, the church was determined to carry on the vision.

In January 1993, the new church building was completed. The congregation held its Dedication Service on Feb. 6, 1993. As of that date, the church would assume a new name: "The Hanging Rock Apostolic Church of God."

On Aug. 12, 1995, Elder Douglas Bishop from Cannons Creek, Ohio, assumed the responsibility of pastor. He and his wife, Francis, have dedicated their lives to the Church and the Ministry of God. Elder Bishop's Ministry has carried him in several states for more than 30 years, thus allowing him to spread the word of God. Pastor Bishop brought the church back to its feet by his encouragement and guidance. After nine years and enduring an illness, Elder Bishop went to be with our Lord on Oct. 4, 2004.

On Sept. 11, 2006, Elder Glenn A. Jenkins, from Ironton, Ohio assumed the responsibility of Pastor. Brother Glenn and his wife Cheri has been a part of the ministry here at the church for about 20 years.

He has served the church as a minister, musician, Sunday school teacher, and deacon on the Board of Trustees. Ordained an Elder Oct. 9, 1996.

Over the years he has officiated most of the churches weddings, funerals and baptismal services.

Along with his music and preaching he has also started the churches first web page at http://apostolictrumpet.com and is committed to establishing truth on its air ways.

The church is still on the move and working together for the good of the Kingdom of God.

The Church will host its 50th Annual Anniversary weekend celebration starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, with special singing and preaching.

The weekend will wrap up on Sunday April 7, from 1-4 p.m. with a pot-luck dinner and music. Location is at the Coal Grove High School gym in Coal Grove, Ohio. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Directions to the church: Take U.S. 52 to the Hanging Rock State Route 650 exit. Go north 1/8 mile on Ohio 650 and the church is on the left.

Chris Sturgill is a member of the Hanging Rock Apostolic Church of God.